KPBS Midday Edition
News & Politics
About
KPBS Midday Edition is a daily talk show hosted by Jade Hindmon, keeping San Diegans in the know on everything from politics to the arts.
Episodes
- San Diego voters head to the polls for California primary
Tuesday marks the last day of voting in California's primary election, and San Diegans are casting their ballots in key state and local races. As part of KPBS' continuing election coverage, Midday Edition checks in on how voting is going i…
- San Diego's 'bright sun is hiding darkness' in new novel
A love story involving a married woman and younger man, and a murder are at the heart of a new novel, with San Diego as the backdrop. Author Cassandra Neyenesch joined Midday Edition Monday to talk about the book and the role San Diego pla…
- Thousands of San Diegans could lose CalFresh benefits
Up to 96,000 people across San Diego County could lose their CalFresh benefits throughout the year as federal changes to the program take effect. One of those changes that began on Monday requires people without exemptions to work 80 hours…
- What you need to know about Ebola ahead of World Cup travel
The FIFA World Cup is a little over a week away, and millions of people are expected to travel into the United States over the next two months. But as the excitement grows, so are public health concerns amid an ongoing Ebola outbreak in th…
- AANHPI Heritage Month: Creating art with hamsa fae
KPBS Midday Edition is continuing to highlight local trailblazers in commemoration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. Among those creative forces is artist and curator hamsa fae, who stylizes h…
- How 'Under the Perfect Sun' reveals a people's history of San Diego, 20 years later
Many tourists might recognize San Diego as America’s Finest City. But what happens when you look past the city’s sunny surface? The book, “Under the Perfect Sun: The San Diego Tourists Never See,” offered up another side of San Diego histo…
- Study: How effective are school cell phone bans?
As we learn more about how cell phones are impacting kids' health and wellbeing, schools across the country are trying to adapt. More than two-thirds of U.S. states now have some restrictions over cell phone use in public schools. We hear…
- Repairing the roads: the latest in San Diego's street improvement plan
The San Diego City Council was scheduled to discuss updates to its street improvement plan this week. The city released its original plan two years ago. But cracks in that strategy appeared almost immediately, when residents pointed out co…
- Data reveals costs and limits of homeless encampment sweeps
It's been nearly three years since the San Diego City Council passed the Unsafe Camping Ordinance , which prohibited tent encampments on public property when shelter beds are available. The law also set rules for how the city can enforce t…
- California Surf Museum celebrates 40 years in Oceanside
For four decades, the California Surf Museum has served as a portal into the world of surfing — capturing the history, art and culture of the sport. On Midday Edition, we talk to the executive director of the Oceanside museum about how it…
- Remembering a legacy: San Diego civil rights activist Hal Brown passes away at 92
Longtime civil rights activist and San Diego icon Harold "Hal" K. Brown passed away last week at the age of 92. Born in York, Pennsylvania, Brown came to San Diego State University (SDSU) in 1953 on a basketball scholarship. He was heavily…
- Hantavirus: What you need to know
Passengers of a cruise ship struck by an outbreak of hantavirus have been flown home. Nine cases have been reported from the outbreak, including three deaths. On Midday Edition Monday, we hear from a local medical expert to learn more abou…
- How the Coronado Terrible Orchestra celebrates the joy of music without judgment
Every Wednesday for six weeks at a time, adult musicians gather at the Coronado Community Center to practice their instruments. They call themselves the Coronado Terrible Orchestra. Thursday on Midday Edition, we sit down with the director…
- Wellness Wednesday: Homelessness, mental health, tech use and health
The 2026 Point-in-Time Count found a slight decline in homelessness in San Diego County, including an 11% drop in street homelessness. But the number of homeless seniors is growing. On Midday Edition Wednesday, we talk with two leaders of…
- NPR's Kirk Siegler on covering climate change in the American West
National Public Radio correspondent Kirk Siegler covers how climate change is impacting the American West. Siegler has covered California wildfires, water scarcity and the financial challenges facing America's farmers. On Midday Edition Tu…
- Proposed sales tax could help fund solutions to TJ River crisis
San Diego voters could decide to raise the sales tax by a half cent this November. The measure would generate funding to address the Tijuana River sewage crisis, to make healthcare and childcare more affordable and for wildfire prevention.…
- 'Hope... In the Aftermath of War' looks at a veteran's journey towards healing
For many veterans, the transition back to civilian life can be difficult — especially when navigating trauma and loss. But, how can the emotional aftermath affect those closest to you? The documentary short, "Hope… In the Aftermath of War,…
- 'The Cost of Healing in Silence': How racial trauma impacts Black mental health today
Racial bias in healthcare surrounds us everyday, from misdiagnosis and pain mismanagement to pediatric care. That bias is also embedded in our mental healthcare system, leaving Black patients without essential resources. Monday on Midday E…
- SCOTUS deals major blow to the Voting Rights Act. What now?
In a 6 to 3 decision, the Supreme Court voted last week to weaken the federal enforcement of the Voting Rights Act in the landmark case, Louisiana v. Callais . The court found that Louisiana's congressional map was an "unconstitutional rac…
- Local jazz vocalist celebrates Jazz Day in six languages
Growing up in San Diego, Allison Adams Tucker started singing before she could speak. Over the years, she's done it all: pop, folk, gospel, punk and jazz — a genre she sings in six languages. On KPBS Midday Edition, we sit down with Tucker…
- Wellness Wednesday: 988 crisis line impact, HIV/AIDS research and ADHD in adulthood
A new study found a decline in suicide deaths among young adults since the launch of the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. We talk about the crisis line and the study. Then, we hear about how cuts to HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment…
- Israeli historian weighs question of genocide in Gaza
Since the Israel-Hamas war began in October 2023, there have been many debates over the use of the term genocide in describing Israeli military actions in Gaza. Tuesday on Midday Edition, we weigh that question with historian and genocide…
- Promoting autism acceptance through art and community
April is Autism Acceptance Month — a time to recognize and celebrate what it means to live with autism. It's an experience that looks a little different for everyone. On KPBS Midday Edition, we highlight local groups creating space and sha…
- What proposed arts cuts mean for San Diego programs
Local arts advocates are protesting a proposed city budget that would slash hundreds of programs and eliminate $11.8 million in funding. That's an 85% decrease from the previous year. Organizations from San Diego Comic-Con to cultural cent…
- Earth Day: climate solutions, community gardens, Indigenous permaculture
Earth Day invites us to pause, appreciate and celebrate the planet we all call home. It's also a moment to talk about environmental conservation and climate solutions. Marine biologist and author Ayana Elizabeth Johnson explores those solu…
- How the US blockade on Iran is impacting warships, energy
On Sunday, a San Diego-based warship fired on an Iranian cargo ship attempting to run a United States-imposed blockade on Iranian ports. Tuesday on Midday Edition, we talk about the warship's connections to San Diego and what the action co…
- New series highlights memories of Vietnam War veteran
April 30 of this year marks the 51st anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War and the Fall of Saigon. A new podcast shares the story of a Marine's experience in that conflict— and the family connection that helped tell the story. On Midda…
- 'Clearing the smoke': Where cannabis culture and medical research stand on 4/20
April 20 or "420" has long been commemorated as an unofficial holiday for cannabis — but how did it get started? And what place does it hold in popular culture today? Monday on Midday Edition, we look at how April 20 became the cultural ph…
- Padres on verge of record $3.9 billion sale
The owners of the San Diego Padres are reportedly nearing an agreement to sell the team to private equity billionaire Jose E. Feliciano and his wife Kwanza Jones. The expected $3.9 billion sale, first reported by the Wall Street Journal, w…
- Major cuts to arts and more proposed in San Diego Mayor's budget
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria on Wednesday unveiled his proposed budget for the coming fiscal year, outlining his plans to help close the city's nearly $150 million deficit. The wide-ranging cuts proposed by Gloria include cuts to local arts…
- 'Flick of a switch:' Seeing the stars this International Dark Sky Week
It could be a good opportunity to look up at the skies as this week marks International Dark Sky Week. It's a global movement that aims to explore the celestial night sky, bring awareness to the impact of artificial lighting on communities…
- Religious studies professor weighs in on Trump vs. the Pope
This week, the President launched a series of social media attacks against Pope Leo XIV. He also offended Catholics and Christians worldwide with an AI-generated photo portraying him as a Jesus-like figure. He also called the American-born…
- New bill would tighten hydrogen sulfide standards in South Bay
Air pollution near the Tijuana River Valley is threatening the health of residents who live there. A new bill by California State Senator Steve Padilla would strengthen regulations around one pollutant — hydrogen sulfide. We break down the…
- Swalwell exit upends race for California's next governor
California's race for governor faces new uncertainty after one of the leading candidates dropped out of the race. Democrat Eric Swalwell suspended his campaign this weekend after multiple allegations of sexual assault and misconduct were m…
- How community gardens grow food and give back
Food costs are continuing to squeeze San Diegans' pocketbooks, and that means accessing healthy food is getting harder for families. The San Diego Hunger Coalition found that as of December 2025, more than 1 in 4 San Diegans are nutrition…
- Record deaths in ICE custody fueled by medical delays, misdiagnoses
At least 48 people have died in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody since President Donald Trump returned to office last January. Last year, 33 people died while in ICE custody — the highest since the agency was created…
- California Republicans unable to endorse candidate for governor
California Republican party leaders were unable to agree on a candidate to endorse in this year's governor's race. Delegates split their vote between Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco and businessman Steve Hilton at the California Republican P…
- Former NASA astronaut on Artemis II
NASA's Artemis II will splash down in San Diego after a 10-day mission around the moon. It's the first time in 50 years that American astronauts have been to the moon. On Midday Edition, we sit down with former astronaut and NASA administr…
- How culture, community and coffee come together at World of Coffee
One of the biggest coffee industry events in the United States is coming to San Diego this weekend — and coffee lovers are in for a treat. World of Coffee will be kicking off at the San Diego Convention Center Friday, bringing together spe…
- Artemis II crew to splash down in San Diego
We've now seen parts of the moon no human has ever seen before. That's thanks to the four-person crew of NASA's Artemis II mission — and plenty of other scientists here at home, on Earth. It's a story many of us have been following over th…
- Crowded field creates competitive race for California governor
Ballots for California's Gubernatorial Primary Election will be in your mailbox within weeks. On Midday Edition Wednesday, we take a closer look at some of the many candidates vying to be California's next governor. On the congressional si…
- Review board finds deputies committed crimes in connection with Vista jail death
The Citizens' Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB) found that two sheriff's deputies engaged in criminal conduct in connection with the death of Bobby Ray Patton, who died in the Vista Detention Facility. Patton died in the jail on Dec. 28…
- New 'Planet Money' book brings the economy to life
For nearly 20 years, National Public Radio's " Planet Money " has been telling enlightening stories about the economy in unexpected and creative ways. Now, the team behind the popular podcast is out with a new book. We hear from members of…
- Judge rules Trump order on public media funding 'unenforceable'
A federal judge last week struck down a central part of President Trump’s executive order that targeted federal funding for public media. The District Court ruling said the order violated broadcasters' First Amendment rights. On Midday Edi…
- What does UN declaration mean for reparations?
For more than 400 years, 12.5 million people in Africa were ripped from their homes and families, chained in pairs, packed into cargo holds at the bottom of ships and trafficked to the Americas. On the other side of the two-month journey t…
- Beatles Fair for a cause; Black film representation; rise of 'grandma hobbies'
For years, Alma Rodriguez and her late daughter Ana Rodriguez brought the Beatles Fair to San Diego's North Park. This year, it's coming to the desert. The new location is one of several ways Alma is honoring her daughter. The festival is…
- Infinite scrolling on trial: Social media and kids
A jury last week found Meta and Google designed their social media platforms to hook young users without a concern for their well being. The case was brought forth by a woman who had been using social media since the age of 6. She testifie…
- SBA says it's listening to businesses impacted by Tijuana sewage
Small businesses in South County, near the sewage-laced Tijuana River, are attributing years-long revenue losses to the ongoing pollution crisis. While construction projects designed to stop the flow of untreated wastewater are underway, b…
- Does that say $6? Why you're paying so much at the pump
U.S. gas prices have passed $4 a gallon first the first time since 2022, largely due to the war in Iran. California has the highest average in the country, at nearly $5.89 for a gallon of gas. On Wednesday's Midday Edition, we talk about t…